program notes

199311 Overture to “Fierabras,” D. 796 Franz Schubert (1797-1828) In his short but prolific career, Schubert left the mark of his genius on almost every type of music. A supreme

Phedre, Dramatic Overture Jules Massenet (1842-1912) Jules Massenet was one of four musically gifted children of a foundryman. The early stages of his career paralleled those of his close contemporary

King Stephan Overture, op. 117 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) In 1811 the German dramatist August von Kotzebue, possibly the most successful German playwright of his time. had prepared two new

Suite from The Water Music George Friderick Handel (1685-1759) George Friderick Handel epitomizes the Baroque period of music in England. His masterwork oratorio Messiah may be the most frequently played

OVERTURE TO “THE MAGIC FLUTE” W.A. MOZART (1756-1791) Mozart’s final opera The Magic Flute tells an allegorical story that can be experienced on many levels. On one level, it is